Delivering reliable back-up power to keep hospital patients safe

“Energyst came up with the ideal solution, when we needed to provide back-up power that conformed to special emission specifications”

Michael Kleevens, Project Manager, Wolter & Dros Amsterdam

VU Medical Center is an Amsterdam based university hospital, which is a long-standing customer of Energyst.

So, when in December 2012 building works were on the agenda once more, we were aware of the VU MC’s need to organise back-up power during construction, also entailing the rebuilding of their fixed energy installations. Clearly, any type of building work concerning a hospital’s energy installations is always critical. And in this specific case lives were literally at stake…

Competitors’ proposals were turned down, because special emission specifications were needed for power generation in hospitals.

Only Energyst could fulfil this need, by smartly working together with other specialists that were also working on the rebuilding project. Realising that only this way we could ensure steady, reliable power supplies to all of the hospital’s departments while rebuilding was underway. But also as a back-up in case of future grid outage.

“Energyst came up with the ideal solution, when we needed to provide back-up power that conformed to special emission specifications”

Michael Kleevens

Project Manager at Wolter & Dros Amsterdam

Taking into account the challenging conditions, Energyst felt that a multi-disciplinary view on the problem was needed.

By discussing the specific challenges facing the customer with other suppliers involved in the project, we would get a much better understanding of the VU MC’s needs. Which, in turn, would result in the best possible temporary energy solution for them. From experience, we knew the challenge could be met.

“Maybe, the most brilliant thing we constructed was the team. Built up from specialists from the VU Medical Center, Wolter & Dros, Pon Power and Energyst”

Rob Feenstra

Sales Manager at Energyst Benelux

Energyst teamed up with building contractors Wolter & Dros (W&D) to co-create the solution.

Together with W&D we studied and verified the VU’s technical demands. Drawing on previous experience of ship’s engines combined with exhaust systems from specialist suppliers, our application engineer joined forces with CAT dealer Pon Power to investigate and engineer the right installation. Together with the VU, we tested protocols engineered by Energyst to ensure we were on the right track. Rob Feenstra, Sales Manager at Energyst: “Maybe, the most brilliant thing we constructed was the team. Built up from specialists from the VU MC, W&D, Pon Power and Energyst”.

The result of our co-operation was that Energyst designed the best possible solution for the VU Medical Center.

With CAT, we worked on the software settings of our generators, so that the engines were cleaner, thereby meeting the challenging emission requirements. We designed a selective catalytic exhaust system, custom-built for the CAT 1000 kVA sets. The outcome was an innovative installation that not only met all the demands of the customer, but also solved continuity issues, and still came in within the customer’s budget! The project began in December 2012, and the installation stayed on site for two and a half years until the building works had been completed, doing exactly what it was designed for: delivering reliable back-up power to keep patients safe, even when the VU’s grid installations fail.

How can we bring Real Energy to your world?

To find out more about our design and engineering expertise, or to ask our advice on power, heating or cooling, contact your nearest Energyst rental location or simply call 00800 3637 4978. We will put all our energy into helping you find the right solution.

Technical specs

The Energyst back-up power plant solution for VU MC was configured using 5x 1000 kVA CAT generators, with five added SCR exhaust systems. A 6300 kVA transformer (from 10 kV to 0.4 kV) and one 15,000 litre fuel tank completed the installation, together with a 630A, high-voltage synchronise switch, a container for the controls, and several kilometres of cabling.

SAFE STORAGE OF HIGH VALUE CANCER DRUG

"There was no margin for error. Due to the critical nature of this project and the high value of the product, it was imperative that there was an uninterrupted power supply."